There’s nothing quite like aerospace engineering to prepare you for life as an artist.
Wait, what?
Actually, if you are Barry Robin, that is exactly what serves as the foundation for his art.
Robin has lived in Southern California his entire life and currently lives in Aliso Viejo. About the age of 12, he discovered his two passions — surfing and working with wood.
Surfing didn’t pay the bills, but woodwork was different. Robin once held a job as an apprentice yacht carpenter in Newport Beach, but his very first job was building wooden boxes. Those boxes were meant to hold something — specifically, aerospace components, which were related to his dad’s career.
“Those wooden boxes held components that eventually made their way to the moon,” Robin said.
Naturally, Robin followed his dad’s footsteps into aerospace engineering and worked in the field for 25 years.
But he never lost his love for woodwork, and now Robin is one of 140 select artists displaying his handiwork at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach through August 31.
While you look at his work, know that there are years of aerospace engineering experience that goes into each piece.
“I create art furniture and wood sculpture which I’ve done my entire life part-time,” Robins said. “Twenty-five years in aerospace engineering gave me my strength in precision measurement which is an integral aspect of my art.”
The Festival of Arts is a special place to show one’s art. And Robin isn’t the type to show his work off in a gallery setting.
“I try to avoid placing my work in competitive environments, which tend to shape one’s art into what is currently popular and away from my weird imagination,” Robin said. “I’m a showoff! The Festival of Arts gives me the mechanism to exhibit my work and interact with thousands of people.
“I prefer to interact directly with my clients. Placing my work in galleries seems to place an additional step between my vision and my clients’ desire.”
Like any good artist, Robin can find inspiration for his work in almost anything. Look around, the world has plenty to offer an artist, and Robin’s eyes are wide open.
“Everything I see!” Robin said when asked what inspires him. “My work has organic lines as well as precision geometric aspects. I guess I’m a bit like a sponge, soaking up imagery as I float through life. I wring out my mental sponge when I design my pieces.”
Robin now works full-time as an artist, having opened up Studio Robin seven years ago.
“I am constantly thinking of new furniture styles and unique joinery techniques. The result makes my furniture pieces one of a kind,” Robin said. “I’m intrigued by the whole design process of each project. I love working in the medium of wood, textures and color. It’s beautiful and no two pieces are the same. Every project is different and must be approached in its own unique way. I love searching for just the right piece of exotic woods and turning them into something not only beautiful, but functional.”
“I’m very fortunate to lead a life where people value my imagination and abilities. I place emphasis on keeping life simple and not taking things too seriously. I have a wonderful, supportive family which allows me the time to imagine and create.”
GENERAL FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Recently voted one of the top five art festivals in the nation by USA Today readers, the Festival of Arts is one of the most highly acclaimed juried fine art shows featuring the artwork of 140 award-winning artists. Patrons may enjoy the work of exhibiting artists, demonstrations and art workshops, daily art tours, live music, special events, on-site restaurants and much more. For a full listing of events, visit LagunaFestivalofArts.org.
DATES & TIMES
July 5 – August 31, 2016
Open daily from 10am – 11:30pm
Early closing August 27 at 1:30pm
FOR INFORMATION & TICKETS
(800) 487-3378
Submitted By Meghan Perez
